Day 1: This is a true wilderness white water rafting adventure, with all of the overnight gear packed in on a separate gear boat for our wilderness camping along the banks of the American river. In the morning we will pack up all of your camping gear into a boat so that we can take it down the same river you’ll be rafting. Once on the water the excitement begins right away with a class III rapid we call, Good Morning! The first half of the trip takes you through rapids of all levels, highlighted by the legendary American River class V rapid, Tunnel Chute. Tunnel Chute is a 15-foot wide, 90-foot long churning chute of white water that finishes in a plunge into peaceful tunnel. All that adds up to a breathe-taking white water rafting adventure that everyone will be talking about for years.
After navigating through Kanaka Falls and other exciting white water rapids, you will arrive at a picturesque stretch of flat water. The extended time frame for this run allows us to stop in this area for waterfall hikes at Dardenelle Creek. After stopping to hike up a beautiful riverside creek you will eat a delicious lunch along the tranquil banks of the American River. Getting back on the water after lunch, you will be able to observe the resplendent canyon, with its lush vegetation including towering pines, blackberry bushes bustling with fruit, and wild grapevines. In the afternoon we will stop along the side of the river to set up our wilderness camp. While you are setting up your tent for the evening, our multi-talented staff of experienced guides will be preparing a gourmet dinner of tri tip, chicken, salad, garlic bread, and cowboy potatoes (or customized menu if requested). The sun will start to go down over the American River canyon just in time to serve up a special River and Rock Adventures dessert tradition, all made for you right on the side of the river.
Day 2: Wake up to the smell of blueberry pancakes, eggs, sausage and fresh fruit. We will pack up the gear boat after breakfast and get back on the water. The morning continues down the scenic flat water stretch until lunch. We stop to hike and have lunch at Canyon Creek and gear up to end the day with a bang. The day will finish with a jaw-dropping series of class IV white water rapids and a necessary portage around the class VI Ruck-A-Chucky Falls, where River and Rock Adventures' guides will entertain paddlers with their skill and bravery. This Middle Fork American River rafting trip will take out at Greenwood Bridge, where customers will receive refreshments for the ride back to Auburn.
